Chapter 4. Working with the port replicator
This chapter provides information about the video output function of the port replicator and instructions on
how to work with the port replicator utility, which enables you to congure the port replicator to your needs.
Understanding the video output modes
The port replicator works in two video output modes:
• Extend mode
• Mirror mode
By default, the port replicator uses Extend mode to output the video.
Extend mode
Extend mode splits your display across two monitors. In the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating
system, there are two options when you are using Extend mode:
• Extend To: In this mode, your notebook computer monitor will be the primary display and the external
monitor will be the secondary display. You can give each monitor its own frame buffer through the
submenu options Right, Left, Above and Below and through drag operations. The display space will
be a continuous area, allowing windows and objects to be moved between, or even straddled across
both displays.
• Set as Main Monitor: In this mode, the external monitor will be the primary display and the notebook
computer monitor will be the secondary display.
In Extend mode, you can drag and drop windows from one display to the other. Also, you can increase
your productivity by doing the following:
• Read e-mails on one display and open the attachments on the other.
• Expand a spreadsheet across both displays.
• For graphics editing, increase your work area by putting all the palette and toolbars on the second display.
• Keep the desktop on one display and watch a DVD on the other.
Mirror mode
Mirror mode clones the display of your notebook computer monitor to the external monitor.
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